Mute



May 25, 1926.

c. ALIMONDO MUTE Filed April 27, 1925 attorney Patented May 25, 1926.

UNET!) STATE ATENT FFECE.

MUTE.

Application filed April 2'7, 1925.

rlhis invention relates to improvements in mutes for use in connection with wind instruments, such as cornets, trombones, and the like.

lith the mutes now ordinarily in use, and particularly where the mute is constructed of metal, a metallic quality is introduced into the tone, and also the pitch of the instrument is affected.

One of the present objects is to provide a mute which is of such construction as to produce more harmonious and softer tones, and at the same time substantially preserving the original pitch of the instrument.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a mute of the above mentioned character, which is simple in construction, inexpensive, strong and durable and further well adapted for the purpose for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent during the course of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this invention, wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout the several views:

Figure l is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved mute.

Figure 2 is a rear end elevation, and

Figure 3 is a front end elevation.

ln the drawing, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 1 designates generally my improved mute, the same being substantially of frusto-conical design and being in the form of a shell. The shell is formed of inner and outer layers of veneering, designated by the numerals 2 and 3 respectively, the same being formed of any suitable material such as mahogany, oak or the like. A layer of paper indicated at 1i, is glued to the inner wall of the inner veneering 2, and the several layers are glued together in the manner well known. A. metallic sleeve 5 encircles the smaller open end of the frusto-conical shell l and for the purpose of spacing the shell from the inner wall of the bell portion of the instrument in which the mute is inserted, there is provided on the outer face fof the shell lat spaced intervals the cork strips or blocks (it. the inrevieion of these is well Serial No. 26,165.

the art, and as the same forms no important part of the present invention, a further detailed description thereof is not thought necessary.

rl`he larger end of the frusto-conical shaped shell l is closed, and the closure comprises a disc designated generally by the numeral 7. The disc includes three plies of veneering 8, 9 and 10 respectively, which are glued together, the veneering forming the disc being ofthe same material as that which forms the shell, and the grain in each of the laminations crossing each other. The laminations of veneering 8, 9 and 10 are of such diameter as to Jtit snugly within the outer or larger open end of the shell l as is clearly illustrated in Figure l. As is further illustrated in Figure l, the disc 7 is substantially concaved in cross sect-ion. The disc 7 furthermore includes the outer layer or lamination of veneering l1, the same being of a dia-meter greater than the diameter of the aforementioned layers forming the disc 7 and is preferably of a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the larger end of the shell.

The outer layer ll is glued or otherwise fastened to the outer face of the layer 10, and as is shown in Figure 3 of the drawing, the outermost layer 11 may be formed of a series of strips of veneering. `When the parts are arranged as shown in Figure l of the drawing, the disc 7 will entirely close the outer or larger end of the shell so that the layers S, 9 and 10 will be disposed within the larger end of the shell while the outermost layer 1l iits snugly against the outer edge of the outer end of the shell.

A mute of the above mentioned character will soften, or modify the volume of a tone to the desired extent without disturbing its pitch or altering its quality.

Furthermore, the harshness of the tone such as is caused by the use of a metallic mute will be eliminated, and all the richness and brilliancy of the tone will be obtained bv the use of a mute of the character einbodied in the present invention. Furthermore, the lightness of the device enables the same to be easily handled.

llhile l have shown the preferred embodiment of the' inventioi'i,l itis t'o be understood that various clia"ge' in the size, shape,iid et be resorted un without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. A mute of the Class described comprising a irusto-conical shell of Veneering, a closure `for the larger end of the shell comprising a disc formed of layers of Veneering, certain o't said layers fitting' in the larger end oi the shell the outermost layer being of a diameter greater than the aforementioned layers, and adapted to engage the outer edge of the larger end of the shell.

2. A mute of the class described comprising' a.` frusto-conical shell, a` disc fitted in the larger end of' the shell, and :1 flange extending from the outer 'ace of the disc7 und adapted Jfor engagement with the outer edge of the larger end of the shell.

In testimony whereof I affix my signuture.

CESARE ALIMGNDU. 

